Hey everyone, welcome back! Today, I’m going to break down some important updates to the UK’s Health and Care Worker Visas that you need to know about if you’re thinking about migrating to the UK for work in the healthcare sector. There are some big changes coming up, so let’s dive right in.
1. Care Providers Must Be CQC Registered (From March 11, 2024)
The first major change: As of March 11, 2024, only care providers in England who are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. So, if you’re planning to apply, make sure the care provider you’re looking to work with has this registration. Good news though, this doesn’t apply to care workers who are already on the route before this date, so if you’re already in the process, no worries there.
2. New Minimum Salary Threshold (From April 4, 2024)
Next, let’s talk about salaries. From April 4, 2024, the minimum salary threshold for Health and Care Visa applicants will be £23,200 per year, or the minimum salary based on the NHS national pay scales, whichever is higher. This is an important change, so make sure the job you’re applying for meets this new requirement!
3. Dependent Restrictions (From March 11, 2024)
Now, this is a significant update for those who are planning to bring their family along. As of March 11, 2024, care workers and senior care workers will no longer be able to bring dependents with them when they migrate to the UK. This includes spouses, children, and other family members. So, if you were hoping to bring your loved ones, unfortunately, this rule change means you’ll need to make other plans.
4. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Update (From February 6, 2024)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is going up a bit. As of February 6, 2024, it will increase to £1,035 per person, per year for anyone required to pay it. However, don’t stress if you’re applying for the Health and Care Visa – holders of this visa are exempt from the surcharge, so that’s one less thing to worry about!
5. New eVisa System Coming (From January 1, 2025)
Another big change coming in 2025 is the introduction of the eVisa system. Starting January 1, 2025, all visa holders, including those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), will need to have an eVisa to prove their immigration status. This is a major shift, so if you’re planning to stay long-term, keep this in mind!
6. Supplementary Employment
A cool update: Health and Care Visa holders will now be allowed to take on additional work related to their primary role without needing to notify the Home Office. This means more flexibility in your work-life balance!
CONCLUSION
So, to wrap it up – from March 2024, there will be some key changes to the Health and Care Worker Visa rules, including stricter sponsorship requirements, a higher salary threshold, and changes to dependents’ eligibility. If you’re planning to move to the UK for work, these updates are definitely worth keeping in mind.
That’s all for today’s update. If you found this useful, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more updates on visa rules, immigration, and everything in between. Catch you in the next one!
